Kelly's Update

I’m writing this on Sunday, contemplating what I need to do to be ready to hit the road early for our third reading deadline week. The National Association of Social Workers - Illinois Chapter Advocacy Day is this week, so it’ll be nice to have Candace (and Jack) in town as they are doing some training sessions for the participants. It promises to be a pretty hectic week, with hundreds of bills yet to be heard on the floor.

This weekend, as thousands descended on Daley Plaza and the surrounding streets to protest the Trump administration’s scattershot attacks on democracy, the rule of law, and social safety nets, I instead decided to honor the memory of a dear friend and fierce advocate by attending her memorial. Cindy Hyndman was a litigator who dedicated countless pro bono hours to cases fighting against discrimination against the LGBTQ community. More recently, she was a key component of the passage of The Michael Bauer Act, named in honor of our mutual friend whose husband had to fight to ensure that Mike’s final wish to be buried together would be honored. Cindy and another friend Coco Soodek successfully sued the cemetery that tried to keep Mike and Roger apart, and then drafted and negotiated HB1571 that we passed in 2023 to prevent anyone else from experiencing what Roger went through again.

The rally and march looked amazing, and seems to have been without major incidents. I loved seeing everyone’s signs and banners on social media and appreciate the energy boost that coming together to draw attention to an issue provides.

Saturday night, I was beyond honored to receive the Representative Greg Harris Legislative Champion Award from the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. Tim Jackson, Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy and a long time fellow advocate, shared that my work on behalf of AFC long predates my time in the House. In the mid to late nineties, I was working for then Cook County State’s Attorney Dick Devine on his policy team. I was pretty green, but also was encouraged to think of policies that prosecutors had not been as engaged in but should be. In conversations with folks at AFC and elsewhere in the harm reduction community, I learned some nuances about access to clean needles that allowed me to make an argument about expanding access as both a public health and a public and officer safety issue. Getting law enforcement at the table with harm reduction advocates was not easy at that time, but it paid off with the passage of the law decriminalizing possession of clean needles law. 

My dedication to HIV/AIDS policy is personal. Growing up and coming out in the 80s at the height of the AIDS crisis is very much a catalyst to my activism. In the absence of a government response in support of what they were calling a gay cancer, our community stepped up to take care of each other, especially the women of the community. Trans women and lesbians built organizations, created mutual aid networks, sat by bedsides, and organized demonstrations alongside our gay brothers who had been completely abandoned by our government. At the Gala on Saturday, I shared a similar story, thanking my old friend Roger Baptiste for guiding me through those days, introducing me to Quentin Crisp, teaching me to salsa, and helping me learn to grieve while remaining furiously active. I also told the crowd assembled for AFC’s 40th Anniversary Gala that once again, the lesbians and trans women will step up and that we all need to do so to ensure that cuts to care, funding, housing, research, and so much more do not harm the most vulnerable members of our community.

Kelly receiving the Representative Greg Harris Legislative Champion Award at AIDS Foundation Chicago's 40th Year Gala

The week ahead will likely involve some long nights, some last minute negotiations, and a lot of coffee (and chocolate…gotta add that to the shopping list!). I’ve still got a couple of amendments to finalize, which could get me into the dreaded “Fix It In The Senate” territory, but we’ll make it work. We’ll do our best to keep socials updated on bill status, as well as tracking what’s coming over from the Senate in their deadline week. I am also looking forward to the traditional early Seder at the Governor’s Mansion with members of the Jewish Caucus and community leadership later in the week, assuming we finish our work on the floor!

Need to Know Info

Our office is hiring a Constituent Advocate! Our current Constituent Advocate, Carlos, will be moving onto new endeavors come this summer and we are looking to hire his replacement.

The role is part-time with an hourly rate of $20/hour. For more information, please see the job description above.

Please direct resumes and any questions to State Representative Cassidy’s Chief of Staff, Taylor Ortiz (taylor@repcassidy.com). We will be scheduling interviews on a rolling basis, so submit your resumes ASAP!

Be sure to get your applications in for the 14th District Small Business Security Infrastructure Grant! Applications close on April 30th.

Click here to be taken to the website to apply for yours today! If you have any questions contact our office at info@repcassidy.com.

You can find out more information and view a recording of an informational webinar on the grant website: www.14sbsig.org.

Join the Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI) and your Northside elected officials on Wednesday, April 16th at 6 PM for an informative virtual seminar focused on Weather and Climate-related Property and Casualty Insurance. This seminar will provide valuable insights into common homeowners, renters, and condo insurance coverages, and highlight critical gaps that are often overlooked, such as flood, sewage backup, and earthquake protection. 

RSVP now to secure your spot. Once you RSVP, the Webex link will be sent closer to the event date.

We encourage you to attend this important seminar to gain valuable knowledge and protect your property!

Planned Parenthood of Illinois, in partnership with the Chicago Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, is hosting a Free Community Baby Shower and Maternal Health Symposium at Mildred Lavizzo Elementary (138 W 109th St) on Saturday, April 12th from 10 am to 3 pm. If you cannot attend, consider donating to the wishlist, which can be found by clicking HERE!

To RSVP, click HERE!

The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) is reopening their Rental Assistance Program (RAP)! RAP provides financial assistance to Chicagoans at risk of homelessness due to back due rent related to a loss of income or other eligible emergency.



For more information or to apply online you can click here.

For in-person support, you can visit a DFSS Community Service Center.

Michael Stephenson and Janira Clark from the Treasurer's Office during our ICash event on February 10th

This week we got an update on some of the funds that have been returned to residents in the 14th District! Thank you Janira from the State Treasurer's Office for updating us!

$48,669 has been paid out in completed claims!

~$70,000 in claims are waiting to be completed and sent out!

Do you have unclaimed property? You can check here! The State Treasurer's office is holding more than 5 billion dollars in unclaimed funds for Illinoisans. If you have any questions or need help making a claim you can always call our office. We can also help you scan or email any documents to help with your claim. Just call our office at 773-784-2002 and ask for Rauly.

Neighborhood Shoutout

Take a look at the following events to see what's scheduled for National Library Week! Additionally featured is the adult programs calendar for April.

You'll relish this! In recognition of National Library Week, Friends of the Edgewater Library in partnership with Patio Beef, 6022 N. Broadway, is offering a 20% discount on anything on its menu from April 5 to April 12. Just show your library card. If you don't have one, read how easy it is to get one—in-person or online.

The Friends of the Rogers Park Library, in partnership with the Chicago Public Library, are hosting a Spring Book Sale as a part of National Library Week Celebrations! The event will be held on Saturday, April 12th from 10 am to 4 pm at the Rogers Park Branch of the Chicago Public Library (6907 N Clark St). All books, DVDs, and CDs are less than a dollar!

Chicago Public Library has been lending materials for over 150 years! Celebrate National Library Week by joining Beth Loch, Special Collections archivist, for her presentation about the library's founding and growth into the institution it is today. Please bring your own CPL memories and stories to share!

Edgewater Library

6000 N Broadway

Friday, April 11, 2025 

2:00PM – 3:00PM

District Events

Join us at the heart of Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood for a delightful journey into the art of cookie decoration. Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or a beginner, this class is perfect for everyone. During the class, Anna (owner of Believe Cakes) will guide you through various decorating techniques, from piping royal icing to adding intricate designs. You’ll have the chance to unleash your creativity and decorate your own batch of cookies, which you can take home and share with loved ones.

All supplies and tools are included—just bring yourself!

Join for a relaxed, fun atmosphere perfect for unwinding and expressing yourself.

Learn practical decorating techniques you can use for future projects.

Take home five beautifully decorated cookies to enjoy or share.

Water & snacks will also be available.

The Swedish American Museum, 5211 N Clark Street

Sunday, April 13th 2025 4:30p-6:30p

Sunday, April 27th 2025 4:30p-6:30p

You can purchase tickets here.

Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA) is hosting Spring Term ESL Registration until April 11th at 1016 W Argyle St. The event will include in-person registration for the Spring Term ESL program, which will be taking place April 14th through June 20th and offering both in-person and online classes. The program is designed to help participants improve their English skills.

In addition, CMAA will also offer a 10-week Healthcare class for upper-intermediate to advanced English-proficient clients who are interested in exploring or pursuing careers in healthcare. The class will cover vital signs, patient care, medical terminology, and various healthcare jobs, with job search assistance provided by CMAA.

To access more information and make an appointment, call (773) 784-2900 or scan the QR code above.

Local Filmmaker Debora Masterson and her late partner, Craig Ingraham, bring their film ABOVE AND BEYOND: The Story of Cpl. William T. Perkins, Jr. to Chicago Filmmakers (1326 W Hollywood Ave, Chicago) for a special free screening on Friday, April 11th at 7PM.

On October 12, 1967 during Operation Medina, a major reconnaissance operation in the Hai Lang National Forest in Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam, Cpl. William T. Perkins Jr. made the ultimate sacrifice when he hurled himself upon an enemy hand grenade to save the lives of his fellow Marines.​

Bill Perkins Jr. is the only combat photographer in our nation’s history to receive the Medal of Honor, our nation’s highest award for valor.

Thirty years later, his friend Craig Ingraham set out on a journey to discover what happened that day in Vietnam and along the way, he discovered so much more.

You can learn more about the film at their website here.

The Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights, Chaired by Ald. Andre Vasquez, invites you to join a Know Your Rights for Nonprofits training on Friday, April 11th at 1:30pm. This virtual event is to ensure organizations are informed about their rights and how to protect their employee's and client's rights during interactions with law enforcement and immigration authorities. Register here! The Zoom link will be sent out the day before the event.

Loyola Stands Against Gun Violence unites Loyola and Chicagoland communities to become powerful advocates for change. The 2025 summit, led by an interdisciplinary group of community organizations and gun violence prevention leaders, will equip attendees with the knowledge and strategies to amplify their voices to enact change. This event empowers a generation raised in the shadow of gun violence to take bold action and create safer communities during challenging times.

The summit features Keynote Speaker David Hogg, survivor of the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, anti-violence activist, and elected as vice chair of the Democratic National Committee in 2025. Hogg uses his platform to promote civic engagement, activism and voting. As a speaker, he informs, challenges and energizes, empowering his generation to resist apathy and become catalysts for positive social change.

In addition to the keynote speaker, the summit will include presentations from local community leaders, panel discussions, and a resource fair featuring local organizations fighting to end gun violence. Light dinner and refreshments will be provided.

To learn more about this event, click HERE!

Join the free art workshop series happening across the Northside of Chicago, organized by Swedish Hospital, Endeavor Health, and the Healthy Chicago Zones North Central Region!

Led by a team of professional artists, participants will explore multimedia art, community, and personal wellness. Art pieces created during these workshops will be submitted to build a community art installation. All participants will be invited to view and celebrate their work at the unveiling of this art exhibition in April!

For more information, email: sneeraja@schosp.org

The 24th District Police are hosting a conversation with their Commander, Alison Christian, on April 10th at 2 pm at Candlelite Chicago (7452 N Western Ave). By attending, you will learn more about the safety initiatives the police are implementing in their district. No reservations or RSVPs are required!

Come to Jarvis Square on Saturday, April 19th at 10 am for a springtime egg hunt and an interactive musical experience! Jarvis Square businesses will also be open during the egg hunt, so be sure to stop on by!

For more information, click HERE.

The Rhapsody Theater (1328 W Morse) is hosting Spiral Into Spring: A Flourishing Soirée on Friday, May 9th from 7 to 9 pm. This soirée benefits the Glenwood Sunday Market's food access program which doubles LINK customers' dollars spent at the market! The evening will feature live music, hors d’oeuvres, and drinks!

For more information about the event and sponsorship opportunities, click HERE!

The Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest (GAAF) is a much-anticipated annual tradition in the Rogers Park neighborhood, showcasing the work of over 130 artists and more than two dozen music and dance performances, as well as live arts demonstrations, an activities area for kids, and open studios. Attendees can browse and buy artwork from over 130 local and visiting artists spanning all genres, from traditional woodworking and ceramics to digital drawing and avant-garde mixed media.

This free, weekend-long community event enables attendees to experience art, music, dance, and more while enjoying food from local eateries on the cobblestone streets of the Glenwood Avenue Arts District, at the intersection of Morse and Glenwood avenues, steps from the Morse CTA Red Line stop.

You can submit your application for the fest here.

Join Rogers Park Business Alliance for a fun-filled Día del Niño celebration with Colectivo Clark! As part of Camino Clark’s Cultural District Designation, this event honors our community’s Mexican heritage with hands-on activities for kids, including piñata-making, salsa recipe creation, a collective art piece, and more!

Don’t miss this family-friendly cultural celebration!

Únete a RPBA para una divertida celebración del Día del Niño con Colectivo Clark. Como parte de la Designación del Distrito Cultural de Camino Clark, este evento honra la herencia mexicana de nuestra comunidad con actividades interactivas para niños, incluyendo creación de piñatas, elaboración de recetas de salsa, una obra de arte colectiva y más.

¡No te pierdas esta celebración cultural para toda la familia! 

This event will be held at 7056 N Clark St from 4-7 pm on April 30th. For more information, click HERE!

The Andersonville Wine Walk will take place on Sunday, May 4! Now in its 20th year, Wine Walk turns businesses throughout the district into wine tasting destinations! 

Check in location: 1554 W Hollywood

Check in between 1PM-4:30PM. If you do not check in by 4:30PM, the tickets will be released at the check in location on a first come, first served basis.

No Refunds or exchanges. This event is rain or shine.

Routes are subject to change.

To purchase tickets, click HERE!

Theatre

Rivendell Theatre (5775 N Ridge Ave) is presenting a new production called No Such Thing from March 22-April 27 on Thursdays & Fridays at 8 pm and on Saturdays at 4 pm & 8 pm!

From Rivendell's Website:

Once a sought-after screenwriter, Ren finds herself "a woman of a certain age" at a crossroads of social and professional invisibility. 

The newest play from the writer of Rivendell’s hit productions of The Walls and American Wee-Pie, No Such Thing examines what makes a life story and charts the unpredictable changes in a society that downsizes women out of their most productive years. 

To learn more and to purchase tickets, click HERE.

A New Leaf is more than a benefit—it's a tribute to the magic of our lauded KidSeries, which has been inspiring young audiences and nurturing the next generation of theatre lovers for decades. Savor passed hors d'oeuvres and choice libations as we celebrate the past, present, and future of Lifeline's KidSeries with a musical reverie of your favorites—all on the set of our world premiere KidSeries show Leaf!

Friday, April 11 at 6:30pm

Lifeline Theatre

6912 N. Glenwood Ave

Tickets are limited, reserve yours here.

Lifeline Theatre’s Kid Series presents the world premiere of Leaf, based on the beloved picture book by Sandra Dieckmann, March 15 to April 20 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Adaptor and Lifeline ensemble member Amanda Link teams up with director Nathaniel Niemi to bring audiences a timely world premiere featuring a polar bear on their quest to return home and the young crow who finds it within herself to help them. Leaf centers on our interconnectedness with each other and our planet, and the importance of sharing one’s story. 

PLUS: Join Lifeline Theatre every Sunday at 12:00 p.m. during the run of Leaf (following the 11:00 a.m. show, or before the 1:00 p.m. show) for our Stories Come Alive! hour. Children will enjoy an interactive storytelling session and on-your-feet theatre games. The cost is $10 per child. Reservations are recommended, though not required. Contact Lifeline Theatre at 773-761-4477 for more information. 

Four favorite Beatrix Potter stories, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, The Tailor of Gloucestor, The Tale of Jeremy Fisher, and The Tale of Tom Kitten, come to life in this mesmerizing puppet show, complete with Potter’s original text and live, original music. Various instruments, such as mandolin, violin, toy piano, and banjo, create the score and melodies behind each story. The set is filled with dynamic suitcases and trunks where levers are pulled and cranks are turned to reveal images that surprise and delight. Three charming performers interweave classic narration and puppetry with gentle interactive moments, recruiting the audience to join the adventure and encouraging young watchers to think about these iconic animal characters’ big emotions.

A limited run at Raven Theatre

April 5 - April 20

Performance Times:

Sat & Sun @ 9:30am & 11:30am

You can purchase tickets here.

RUNS MARCH 9 TO APRIL 20, 2025

at Black Ensemble Theater - 4450 N. Clark St | Chicago, IL 60660

Written and Directed by Jackie Taylor

On The surface they were worlds apart.

Elvis grew up in Tupelo, Mississippi and Joe grew up in the Cabrini Green Projects in Chicago.

They were different - but they were very much the same.

You really have to be in the know to understand how Elvis Presley was a Black man named Joe.

Youth & Teen

Apply Now for Your Perfect Summer Job in the Parks – for Ages 16+!

Earn a paycheck, make friends, keep active, have fun, and make a difference by working in the parks! A variety of employment opportunities are available at the Chicago Park District this summer to suit all interests, schedules, and experience levels. These positions offer competitive wages, opportunities to build life skills, flexible work schedules, and pathways to careers and year-round employment. Another plus: working indoors and outdoors, depending on the position, and having summer nights off. Positions available for Chicago residents ages 16 and older include Lifeguard, Recreation Leader (for Day Camp), and Junior Laborer (landscape maintenance). Additional positions are available for ages 18+. 

Learn more & apply now.

Job Openings

The Howard & Evanston Community Center is hosting a job fair on Wednesday, April 16th! The job fair will be held in the gymnasium at Willye White Park (1610 W. Howard) and will be from 10AM-2PM. Employers will be hiring for jobs in healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, and other sectors.

You can register to attend here.

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ office is now accepting applications for its third-annual summer job program!

Approximately 150 positions are available for college, trade school, graduate school students, law students, or graduating high school students who are enrolled in college or trade school in the fall.

Available positions include working in Secretary of State offices in Chicago, surrounding suburbs, Springfield and downstate facility locations. Under the program, college and trade school students earn $17 per hour and specific contractual intern positions for graduate and law school students earn $25 per hour. Job offerings include working in one of the 25 departments in the Secretary of State’s office or at a DMV.

Interested applicants can apply at www.ilsos.gov/summerjobs and must submit a resume, application, and cover letter explaining their interest in working at the Secretary of State’s office. Please reach out to publicengagement@ilsos.gov with any questions.

Find contracting and employment opportunities at O’Hare and Midway airports at the Chicago Department of Aviation’s Airport Expo and Job Fair, free for attendees on Thursday, May 1 at the UIC Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Road.

Business representatives will recruit candidates to fill cargo, concessions, construction, security and other positions at all experience levels — with some hiring on the spot! Small business owners will learn how to obtain city certification and enter the airport business.

Access the UIC Forum via CTA Blue Line (UIC-Halsted), #12 Roosevelt bus, or #8 Halsted bus.

Register: flychicago.com/airportexpo

Join us for the upcoming virtual job fair hosted by Heartland Human Care Services to explore exciting career opportunities and learn more about the benefits they offer. Heartland is currently looking to fill a variety of positions, including:

Youth Care Workers (Multiple Shifts)

Family Reunification Specialist

Mental Health Clinical Practitioner

Clinical Supervisor

Utility Worker

Cook

Directors, Program Managers

Teachers, and many more!

Tuesday April 8th

2:00pm-3:00pm

Register here.

Each year, the Illinois Secretary of State's office awards 100 grants for Adult Volunteer, Family and Workplace Literacy programming. One-on-one tutoring is essential to the success of the thousands of students enrolled in these programs.

Tutors are needed throughout Illinois. Volunteer to tutor basic math, reading, writing or English acquisition and the Illinois Literacy Foundation will refer you to one of our partners statewide.

Send your name, email, and zip code to info@illinoisliteracy.org or inquire HERE.

Sincerely,

Kelly Cassidy

State Representative, 14th District



Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy

1507 W. Morse Ave

Chicago IL 60626